Replacing the spark plugs on a
Hyundai Santa Fe is quite intensive and most owners choose to let the
dealership perform the procedure. But there are a few that would want to do
it themselves. This guide is for them.

Note: The Dealership/service department charges several hundred dollars to
change the plugs, so doing the procedure is worth it. But only if you are
sure you are up to it. Good luck.

This is for the 2.7L V6 engine. While it is possible that the
procedure can be performed on the 2.4/3.5 liter versions, this write-up only
outlines the 2.7L procedures. Change interval is 50-60K on platinum plugs
and 10-30k for copper ones. More info on the original topic (if still
available)
here on the Santa Fe Forum as well as on the original members (Hennesseystealth)
website.

The procedure should
take about 45 minutes max, once you have studied the steps and your engine
bay as well as comfortable with working on the engine. Longer (about an
hour) the first time due to the nasty center tie down bolt (explained
later). Once you are familiar with the procedure the next time should not
take you longer than 30 minutes..

Disconnect negative wire on
battery.
(This is optional, but it is preferred for safety.)

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02-

If you do disconnect the battery, make
sure you write down your radio settings, since they will be erased once the
battery gets disconnected.

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03-

Start with the engine in a cold
condition.

Step 2 - Remove engine
cover.

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04-

Remove plastic engine cover from
the engine block. (By removing the four bolts.)

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05-

You can remove the front plugs
at this time. If the plug wires are stuck, rotate them clockwise and
counter-clockwise until they are loose. Use dielectric grease on the bolts
when you replace them. Anti-seize on the plug threads is also recommended.
However, be careful not to get it on the electrodes.

Step 3 -Disassembling the
engine cables.

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06-

Remove back left throttle
cable/ground strap small bracket bolt.

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07-

Remove front two throttle cable
bracket bolts.

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08-

Remove electrical connector left
of rear throttle cable main bracket.

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09-

Remove vacuum hose from left
side of vacuum solenoid (don't know what that unit does but it is right
below the main throttle cable bracket).

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10-

Slip vacuum solenoid off of
bracket by pushing it towards the driver's side.

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11-

Remove two bolts holding the
main throttle cable bracket (note: these bolts also hold a second bracket
the holds the vacuum solenoid).

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12-

Remove the three rear plenum tie
down bolts. The left one you can see from the left side, the right one is
right below the throttle cables about an inch from the right edge of the
plenum, and the center one is under the main throttle cable bracket. DO NOT
REINSTALL THE CENTER BOLT WHEN REVERSING THE PROCESS. Without the center tie
down bolt you MAY be able to skip steps 3-8. I didn't check so this is still
unknown.

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13-

Unclamp the black rubber intake
hose from the throttle body and push it under the throttle body.

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14-

Remove the hose from the the PCV
valve at the top right of the front valve cover.

Place a rag over the intake
manifold so you don't drop anything into your engine.

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18-

Tilt the plenum up on the
passenger side about 45 degrees and brace up with a 6-8" long piece of wood
or equivalent.

19-

Change rear plugs.

20-

Replace everything.

Additional information:

Great site that gives you step by step instructions on
changing plugs and what plugs to use for what applications.Go to the garage area and look up Spark Plugs under
Factory Items to see how we change the rear plugs. You can also review some
good spark plug discussions under the Tips & Tech on the same page.